You usually pay real estate costs by eCheck – an ACH payment from your checking account – through your landlord’s or property manager’s online resident portal, not the brokerage itself. Portals like ClickPay, AppFolio, and Buildium make eCheck the free option, while cards add a fee. For example, Schlosser Real Estate lets tenants pay rent by eCheck in its portal at no charge.
How do you pay rent by eCheck?
- Log in to the resident portal your property manager uses (ClickPay, AppFolio, Buildium, or RentCafe).
- Choose e-check or bank account as the payment method.
- Enter your bank routing and account numbers, then submit or set it to recurring so rent drafts automatically each month.
On most portals eCheck is free, while paying rent by card costs around 2.95%.
Who offers eCheck for real estate payments?
Most property management companies do, through these portals. Schlosser Real Estate, a New Jersey brokerage, lets tenants pay rent by eCheck (routing and account number) with no fee. For a list of managers confirmed to accept eCheck, see our property management companies that accept eCheck.
What about buying a home or paying a deposit?
Large sums are different. A down payment or closing funds almost always require a wire transfer or certified funds, not a consumer eCheck, because an ACH payment can be reversed for up to 60 days and title companies won’t take that risk. Earnest money is usually paid by personal check or wire.
What about HOA and condo fees?
These are commonly paid by eCheck through the same resident portals (ClickPay is widely used for HOA dues), free from your bank account. See how long an eCheck takes to clear so you pay on time.
Common problems
- Paying the brokerage instead of the portal. Rent and fees go through the resident portal, not the real estate office.
- Large sums. Down payments and closings need a wire, not an eCheck.
- Card fees. Choose e-check to avoid the ~2.95% card surcharge.
Financing a home? See mortgage lenders that accept eCheck for paying the loan itself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay rent with an eCheck?
Yes. You usually pay rent by eCheck (ACH from your checking account) through your landlord's or property manager's online resident portal, such as ClickPay, AppFolio, or Buildium - typically free.
Can I buy a house with an eCheck?
No. Large sums like a down payment or closing funds require a wire transfer or certified funds, because a consumer ACH payment can be reversed. Earnest money is usually paid by check or wire.
What portals let you pay rent by eCheck?
ClickPay, AppFolio, Buildium, and RentCafe all support eCheck/ACH rent payments. Firms like FirstService Residential, AKAM, and Schlosser Real Estate use them.
Are eCheck rent payments free?
Usually yes. On most resident portals, e-check (ACH) is free while paying rent by credit or debit card adds a fee of around 2.95%.
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